Is the Earth no longer round?

In a paradigm shift, we discovered today that the EARTH it's not exactly round. A European spacecraft traveling above the atmosphere has been mapping the gravity of EARTH with unparalleled accuracy. The map shows that the force of gravity varies over the entire surface of the EARTH, from deep ocean trenches to the highest mountain ranges. The measurements allowed the scientists to create a computer model called the "geoid“, which reveals how the EARTH it would be if its shape was altered to equalize the gravity at every point on the surface.

Researchers have revealed the latest data from the European Space Agency and the probe Gravity Explorer and Ocean Circulation (Gravity and Ocean Circulation Explorer, or Joy), on a workshop in Munich this Thursday. The map shows areas of strong density in yellow and weakest points in blue.

Described by the project manager, Andrea Allasio as “the Ferrari of space probes”, the A Joy maps the gravitational field of EARTH by recording your exact position with a GPS, detecting variations in the force of gravity with unprecedented accuracy.

Veja details in the video below:

The severity of EARTH it is subtly influenced by all sorts of changes in the structure and topography of the planet. O planet is not a perfect sphere, being bulged around the equator, causing gravity there to be weaker than that at the poles. Gas fields, mineral deposits, aquifers and rock formations also affect the force of gravity.

Impressive, no?

Source: The Guardian.